The Majority Report with Sam Seder

The Huffington Post's Ryan Grim breaks down the bad news for Bernie Sanders in yesterdays elections. In Chicago progressives turned out to send Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez packing. Why did many of those same voters cast a ballot for Hillary Clinton. Why all progressives need to be intersectional. Are you risking less with Clinton? Does Sanders still have a path to victory? Should Sanders stay in the race? Donald Trump dominates last nights Republican primary. Can the Republicans actually take the nomination away from Trump? How the Republicans can go third party. Will the Republicans accept Obama's centrist Supreme Court pick? (11:30)

On The Fun Half: Why did Obama select Merrick Garland? Sam debates two Libertarians. Wall Street legend schools CNBC hacks on the real state of the economy and why Bernie Sanders would be best for it. Glenn Beck losing it even more? And your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-15-16-Ryan_Grim-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:49pm EST

On today’s show Vox’s Amanda Taub (@amandataub) join us to discuss her new article The Rise of American Authoritarianism.

How do you measure authoritarian attitudes? The four parenting questions that reveal the authoritarian mindset. The Republican Party's anxiety about social change and what voters that appeals to. How crisis can activate the authoritarian value society. Vox's polling and fear of threats from foreign sources. Race and measuring response to authority. How many Democrats are authoritarian and what do we do about authoritarian politics?

On The Fun Half: the Bernie or Bust debate. Ben Carson admits he didn't want to endorse Donald Trump but he needed to look out for himself. Chris Christie skips a cops funeral to campaign for Trump. Breitbart throws its own reporter under the bus.  Glenn Beck and Grover Norquist battle continues. We cannot afford Donald Trump and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-15-16-Amanda_Taub-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm EST

On today’s show, Hooman Majd (@hmajd) joins us to discuss his recent election results in Iran. (6:15)

The internal dynamics of Iran’s politics. The difference between now and the Green Revolution. The revolutionary and sub-revolutionary elements of the Green Movement. The dynamic between The Supreme Leader Khamenei, Hassan Rouhani, and Mohammad Khatami. The state of political freedom across the Middle East. The momentum and goals of the Iranian moderates and pragmatists. Iranian awareness of the perilous revolutions in their neighborhood. The moderate focus on foreign policy and trade and when they’ll get around to social programs. What a “religious democracy” in Iran may look like.

And on the Fun Half: Sam Harris releases the full Omer Aziz “debate.” Taking Trump seriously. Marco Rubio called out for stealing one of The Good Liars' girlfriends. And your calls and IMs. 

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Direct download: 03-14-16-Hooman_Majd-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:43pm EST

Cliff Schecter explains the distinct dangers and threats of Donald Trump. Donald Trump says the Republican Party elites should "embrace" what's happening. Donald Trump's raw anti Muslim bigotry and Marco Rubio's response. Why Muslims should fear Trump and the history of Jewish repression. Reince Priebus wanted a "G rated" debate and he sort of got one and what the Republican elites fear. (13:21)

Andy Kindler reflects on his Boston material. Kindler corners the market on comparing people to Hitler. Sam and Andy are not impressed by Louie's latest political intervention. Ben Carson endorses Donald Trump and of course its weird. Andy talks with Ben Carson and Andy prefers Hillary. (47:30)

On The Fun Half: Trump rally gets violent in Missouri. Donald Trump evades condemning violence and racism coming from his supporters. Sam debates a libertarian and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-11-16-Cliff_Schecter-Andy_Kindler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm EST

MR reviews last nights Democratic Primary debate. Bernie Sanders a powerful answer on birtherism and racism. Do the Koch Brothers support Bernie? Bernie Sanders is dangerous for Wall Street. Bernie and Hillary debate the auto bailout. Bernie gives a strong answer on tuition free colleges. Sanders tries to get Clinton to agree to end Fracking and differences on youth unemployment and Wall Street.

On The Fun Half: Hillary Clinton's frustrating line of attack. Sam Harris is a hack. A Trump supporter sucker punches a black protester and your calls and IMs.

Members make the Majority Report possible. Please join us by becoming a MEMBER. You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation. Thanks!

Subscribe to 2 Dope Boys & a Podcast Co-Hosted by Michael Brooks! Subscribing helps the Majority Report! Subscriber here!

 

Direct download: 03-10-16-Miami_Dem_Debate_Review-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:55pm EST

Bernie Sanders wins big in Michigan. How the polls got the race so wrong. Bernie's massive success with the Muslim vote and what comes next.

Tim Canova, a progressive challenging DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Shultz in the Democratic Primary in Florida's 23rd District explains what inspired him to take on Schultz. Schultz's advocacy on behalf of corporate clients. What motivated Tim to challenge Schultz and the strengthening Progressive movement. (20:30)

Bernie Sander's big win in Michigan happened and what about the electability argument now?

On The Fun Half: Oklahoma slashes healthcare funding for the poor. Bobby Jindal has destroyed Louisiana with trickle down economics. What's the problem with a Constitutional Convention? Donald Trump's best supporter Ernie Boch Jr drops more gems on Fox New Business. The new age of Protests and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-09-16-Tim_Canova-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:34pm EST

Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi explains the power of Donald Trump on the stump. Trump's fusion of bigotry and populism. Joe Scarborough admits that trickle down does not trickle down. Can Trump be stopped? The difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. Bernie Sanders success and limits. The Clinton's advantages with the African American community. The modern Democrats awful record on race. Does Bernie have any leverage? Can Trump force Hillary in a populist direction? Trump's Sexism and running against Clinton.

On The Fun Half: Understanding Trump's appeal. The latest pathetic from Sam Harris. Clinton scandals and the general election. Mitt Romney robocalls for not Donald Trump. Michael Bloomberg is not running for President. Predictions for tonight's primary results and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-08-16-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:47pm EST

On today’s show, we’re joined first by Steven A. Cook (@stevenacook) to talk the Syrian ceasefire. Cook is Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East & Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. (11:15)

An update from Erdogan's Turkey and the Turkish turn to authoritarianism and the crackdown on press freedom. What is becoming of Turkish middle-class identity How Erdogan plays on the patrimonial currents in Turkey. The centralization of power under Erdogan. The EU summit on the migrant crisis and the current European conversation regarding Turkey. An overview of Turkish foreign policy. How Erdogan is like Trump. The Kurds and the ceasefire in Syria. Taking on ISIS and Assad simultaneously.

Then, Matt “Old Matt” Binder (@mattbinder) will phone in to give us a report of his time at CPAC. How normal everyday conservatives are actually quite nice! The accessibility of conservative public figures at CPAC. The conservative desire to participate in Hollywood. The conservative book publishing industry. How everyone hates Mitt Romney. (45:00)

And on the Fun Half - Dinesh D'Souza is making crazy statements publicly again because he has a movie. Does rap culture make Chicago violent? Alex Jones on Marco's obsession with Trump's package.

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Direct download: 03-07-16-Steven_Cook-Matt_Binder-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:59pm EST

Full coverage of the 11th GOP debate on Thursday, March 3, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan.

Direct download: 03-03-16-11th_GOP_Debate-MEM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EST

Cliff Schecter explains just how demented the Republicans are. The Seder/Schecter theory of Republican politics. How each Republican can be made to pay for not allowing a SCOTUS nomination and nominating Trump. The temperament to be President. Mitt Romney positions himself for a run. Why Jim Webb might back Donald Trump. Will the Kochs back Gary Johnson. (14:15)

Judy Gold hates Donald Trump. Mitt Romney is the school principle trying to get control of the school. Judy Gold also really really hates Ted Cruz. Ted Cruz did something really disgusting at the GOP debate. Will Republicans ever get over the anti Gay bigotry?Meditation may not be working for Judy and Chris Christie is the worst. (52:00)

On The Fun Half: Donald Trump lets everyone know he has a big penis. Chris Christie was not kidnapped. Donald Trump owns Bill O'Reilly. Donald Trump turns  it up on the clown fascism. Why not reckoning with torture and drones set the stage for Trump. Labor leadership and corporate boards.

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Direct download: 03-04-16-Cliff_schecter-Judy_Gold-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56pm EST

Paul Mason the author of POSTCAPITALISM: A GUIDE TO OUR FUTURE explains why our information driven economy is exhausting Capitalism. The problem with intellectual property. Why Uber and Air B&B prevent prevent social innovation. What the future of the sharing economy going to look like? What the left can learn from the network economy. Why we shouldn't fear automatization and how you can help transition our economy. (13:45)

On The Fun Half: Who benefits from Uber. Why Bernie Sanders has struggled to get African American voters. Mitt Romney used to love Donald Trump before he hated him and now he really hates him. Racist scum Trump supporters attack a young black women at a rally. The Michigan House Democratic Leader calls on Rick Snyder to resign because of his role in the Flint Water crisis and your calls and IMs. 

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Direct download: 03-03-16-Paul_Mason-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EST

The Washington Post's Dave Weigel explains the fallout of the Republican's Super Tuesday results. Why Marco Rubio can't connect. Why John Kasich is staying in. How the Republicans got themselves into this mess. Is Donald Trump really an outsider insurgent and why Bernie Sanders isn't broadening his base. (12:00)

What are voters really looking for in 2016 and Donald Trump starts his pivot to the center and the rust belt.

On The Fun Half: the mind of a Trump voter.  The "regressive left" debate. How was Chris Rock as the host of the Oscars? And your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-02-16-Dave_Weigel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:46pm EST

Robert F Kennedy Jr. explains how the invasion of Iraq led to the creation of ISIS. The CIA and the history of modern Syria. The American backed Coup in Iran and Middle Eastern perceptions of US foreign policy. The Shia Sunni divide and the corporate dominance of American policy. America's role in the Shia and Sunni divide and what's really behind intervention in Syria. (19:00)

Tina Dupuy lets us know about her exciting new podcast which explores the world of cults. Tina remembers her cult upbringing and why do people get drawn to the cult worldview. (50:00)

On The Fun Half: Is Bernie stronger against Trump. Massachusetts Democrats defecting to Trump. Bernie Sanders runs an amazing ad. Leading Republicans attack Mitt Romney for calling out Trump's coddling the KKK. Arizona Democrat runs ad against John McCain linking him to Donald Trump. An LBJ ad that we can all learn from today. The game of footsie Trump is playing with David Duke. Peter Beinart says liberals should vote for Marco Rubio in open Republican primaries and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 03-01-16-Robert_Kennedy_Jr-Tina_Dupuy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:34pm EST

On today's show Bronwen Dickey (@BronwenDickey) a Contributing Editor for the Oxford American and author of the forthcoming book: Pit Bull: The Battle over an American Icon. (10:45)

Bronwen's experience on a conspiracy theorist cruise. Conspiracy theories and science communication: why do people come to believe what they believe. How the cruise ship added to the conspiracist paranoia. The suspicion Bronwen was a plant by the pharmaceutical industry. How to differentiate between true conspiracies from frivolous conspiracy theories. Social and political distrust of scientific arguments. The difficulty of reasoning people out of positions they didn't arrive at with reason.

Bronwen's book, Pit Bull: An American Icon. The baggage and demonization of pit bulls and how the racial composition of the owners of demonized dog breed creates these myths. The origins of the word "race" from the language of breeding. The linkage of pit bulls with "thugs" as a proxy cultural struggle.

On the Fun Half: What Bernie needs to do better, how dangerous do Trump's reasonable statements on issues like healthcare and the Iraq war make him, more on pit bulls, Vicente Fox uses the f-word on Fox Business. Also your calls and IMs.

 

Direct download: 02-29-16-Bronwen_Dickey-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:28pm EST

Cliff Schecter explains the hilarious and disturbing debacle of the latest Republican debate. The stunted emotional development of the Republican candidates. The Republicans do not debate policy. Why Trump's wall fantasy tells us everything we need to know about the GOP and mainstream media. The one more Marco Rubio attack on Donald Trump might work. How you can beat Trump and what Bernie and Hillary need to do to beat Trump. (8:45)

Christopher Rosen continues his rise and is now in charge of Entertainment Weekly Online. What does Rosen think of the Best Picture nominations. Why the Revenant will win according to Rosen. Where does Rosen get his info? Sam dismisses Steven Spielberg. Who Rosen thinks will win. Rosen does not documentaries and what is Rosen doing for EW. (49:45)

Chris Christie endorses Donald Trump. The IRS investigates Trump because he is a big Christian. Chris Matthews try to grill Bernie Sanders and your IMs.

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Direct download: 02-26-16-Cliff_Schecter-Christopher_Rosen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EST

Jacobin Magazine founder and coeditor of The Future We Want: Radical Ideas for the New Century, Bhaskar Sunkara, explains the dynamic of President Obama's leadership. Contradictions of the Democratic Party. The difference between the Democratic Party and European Social Democratic parties. Why Bernie Sanders comes from the socialist tradition. How Sanders is educating the public. Why Sanders is the political realist. We are in a class war and the rich are waging it. Why socialists want to expand democracy. Eliminating the wrong kind of risk in American society. Why liberals lose and why radicals need to get politically real. What we can learn from Britain's NHS. Why technocratic policy proposals are wrongheaded and why Sanders is getting his arguments right. Federalizing the anti austerity cause and the long term prospects for social democracy. (11:30)

On The Fun Half: How to cap CEO pay. How to make real progressive change happen. Black Lives Matter activist confronts Hillary Clinton on using the term "super predators" in the 1990s and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-25-16-Bhaskar_Sunkara-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:24pm EST

Professor and author of Crowds and Party Jodi Dean explains how individualism undermines modern organizing. Why the problem is bigger than neoliberalism. The left and discipline. How we can have collective politics and why we need it. The distinction between liberalism and the left from the perspective of political theory. Is the individual a fiction? How Capitalism relies on the myth of the individual. What are crowds and why they matter. How the left can and should push the crowd. Do we need a Communist Party? Why the real Left does exist and the Bernie Sanders opportunity. (9:15)

On The Fun Half: Donald Trump loves the "poorly educated". Why the Republicans can't stop Trump. Why the MSM still does not get it. A Nevada Caucus crowd blows off Glenn Beck for Donald Trump. Alex Jones thinks Trump is in danger and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-24-16-Jodi_Dean-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56pm EST

On today’s show journalist Bill Fletcher Jr. (@BillFletcherJr) joins us to discuss his most recent piece in the Jacobin Bernie and the Movement. How does Bernie’s campaign fit into building a larger movement for the future. Comparisons with the Jesse Jackson “Rainbow Coalition” campaign. Bernie as “movement-exciter” rather than “Bernie-creator.” Jackson’s relationship with the Democratic establishment. The fact that elections focussed on individuals do not necessarily lead to ongoing movements. The difference in the political environment the Jackson and Sanders campaign. How to bridge between Sanders’ rhetoric and policies: energizing the base. Hillary Clinton’s fluency in discussing racial politics. The importance of electoral, mass movements, and legal considerations in winning power for progressive people. (5:30)

On the Fun Half: Gerrymandering, the Movement for Bernie, Ben Carson is obstinate on Bill O'Reilly, why Baby Boomers don’t get Bernie, and your calls and IMs. 

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Direct download: 02-23-16-Bill_Fletcher_jr-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:58pm EST

Huffington Post's Senior Political Editor Sam Stein joins us to discuss his new podcast, Candidate Confessional, and the 2016 race. Jeb drops out. Why the hesitation by the GOP establishment to fall behind Marco Rubio? What’s up with Marco’s medical and birth history? What to make of the Nevada results for Bernie and Hillary. (10:00)

Sam discusses the primaries: what to make of the turnout and demographic trends.

On the Fun Half: The super delegates issue as a red herring. Who is more attractive to independents between Hillary and the GOP candidates? A call for the legalization of drugs. The virtue of the Bernie Sanders campaign when it comes to highlighting issues. What to make of Krugman’s assertion Bernie’s is engaging in “voodoo economics.” The “no free lunch” arguments coming from establishment Dems.

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Direct download: 02-22-16-Sam_Stein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:54pm EST

Robert Smigel on Triumph and insult comedy in 2016. Mocking the left vs mocking the right. On comedy's relationship with social progress. The bias-free language guide. On working with Hulu. The beauty of covering the presidential primaries. On the abilities technology gives to creative people. Robert's perspective on the Donald Trump phenomenon. (6:00)

Lily Geismer, author of Don't Blame Us: Suburban Liberals and the Transformation of the Democratic Party on her Jacobin piece "Atari Democrats." The McGovern campaign and the shift from labor to white-collar professionals. The "Massachusetts Miracle." The "creative class," and wine and beer tracks. The apparent impossibility of change within the Democratic establishment. (42:30)

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Direct download: 2-19-16-Robert_Smigel-Lily_Geismer-MEM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EST

Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee is on to discuss the PCCC's success in getting a pledge from Hillary Clinton to not cut social security. Adam's appearance on Fox & Friends. The media/campaign strategy behind the timing of the pledge challenge. The theory of change employed by the PCCC. Hillary's attempts to muddy the waters on issues like the social security cap. Presidential Appointments Matter: The new push to have the candidates give specific examples of people they would consider for key posts standing up to Wall Street power. (9:00)

Informationer - Nixon and the Pentagon Papers (28:00)

On Saturday, June 12th, 1971, President Nixon enjoyed one of his happiest days in the White House, celebrating the wedding of his daughter Tricia in the Rose Garden. A little after noon the following day, he received a call from his deputy National Security advisor Al Haig informing him of the Pentagon Papers leak, a major blow to the already unpopular Vietnam War.

Three calls included:

1. Deputy NSA Advisor Al Haig and Nixon, 6/13/71. (WHT 005-050)

2. Domestic Advisor John Ehrlichman the following day (WHT 005-068). Ehrlichman tells Nixon to send a warning to the NYT, advises him to call Attorney General John Mitchell who is anxious to do so.

3. Minutes later, Nixon calls Mitchell. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger joins the call as well. (WHT 005-070)

Music: "Holes" by Mercury Rev

FOR MEMBERS: 7/6/2005 - Sam is joined by Slate Supreme Court reporter Dahlia Lithwick to discuss Sandra Day O'Connor's resignation, the politicization of the Supreme Court, Roe v Wade, judicial activism, Robert Bork, and John Roberts. 

 

 

Direct download: 2-18-16-Adam_Green-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EST

Lester Spence, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of Knocking the Hustle: Against the Neoliberal Turn in Black PoliticsWhat is Neoliberalism? Jay-Z's "I'm not a business man, I am a business, man." The history of the term "hustle." How do the effects of neoliberalism change across racial lines? The "prosperity gospel." (8:40)

Hustle as theft of labor. Creflo Dollar. What is the ongoing conversation about this within black intellectual circles. The neglect of considerations of political economy. The growing activity within black intellectual discourse. The cultural turn against political economy. Class bifurcation within identity politics. (21:00)

Critiques of Cornel West's "Race Matters," and Barack Obama's "My Brother's Keeper." Michael Nutter's troublesome reaction to Problems as mayor of Philadelphia. The importance of speaking truth to power. A critique of David Harvey's views on Neoliberalism neglecting race. Racialized populations as the locus for the neoliberal turn. Racial resentment in policy. (29:10)

And for members: June 16, 2005, Sam has then-Congressman Bernie Sanders on to discuss his amendment blocking Patriot Act surveillance.

Direct download: 2-17-16-Lester_Spence-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:56am EST

On today's show Benjamin Dixon, host of the Benjamin Dixon Show, joins us to discuss the GOP's brawl of a debate in South Carolina (11:30), approaching Bernie Sanders as a black voter (23:30), and the developing conversation on class in America (32:00).

On the Fun Half - Scalia's death, "constitutionalism," Donald Trump says we were lied into Iraq, and your calls and IMs! 

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Direct download: 02-15-16-Benjamin_Dixon-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:13pm EST

Ian Millhiser joins Sam for a special episode to discuss the legal and political ramifications of the death of Antonin Scalia.

For Members: Foreshadowing the current GOP dumpster fire, Glenn Greenwald joined Sam and Janeane a decade ago on February 12, 2006 to discuss the ideological rift forming in the GOP.

Direct download: 02-15-16-Ian_Millhiser-Scalia-Special-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:34pm EST

Cliff Schecter reflects on how disheartening the 2008 Democratic Primary. Sam and Cliff gloat about the failure of Chris Christie. Chris Christie a failure of media vetting. Why Christie is the worst. Why John Kasich is a radical right and anti women candidate. Why the Republicans Party is all about resentment. Marco Rubio implodes and Sam and Michael called it. Who won the Hillary Bernie debate? How Clinton can sharpen her message.

Marc Maron joins us possibly from his bathroom. Maron describes the new phones set up in his house in anticipation of Obama's visit. Was 2015 the best year of Marc Maron's life? Maron reflects on the experience of getting somewhere. Will Sam and Marc ever work together again? Tension with Joe Rogan? Maron's resentments and how Marc relates to Bernie Sanders.

Hillary Clinton's confused foreign policy stance and your IMs.

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Direct download: 02-12-16-Cliff_Schecter-Marc_Maron-MEM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:31pm EST

Jennifer Mittelstadt an Associate Professor of History at Rutgers University and author of The Rise of the Military Welfare State explains the social welfare state of the United States Military. The end of the draft and the free market makeover of the military. How the draft became politically impossible at the end of the Vietnam era. The challenges of a all volunteer military service. (10:10)

General Westmoreland and Milton Freidman debate the draft. The growth of Military benefits and the difference between the all volunteer army and the GI era. The class and gender dimensions of the military welfare state. The United States and the social welfare state. How social welfare is a military comparative advantage and how the Military hid the nature of its welfare state. (22:00)

On The Fun Half: Jeb Bush told to stop talking at Rotary Rotary luncheon. Voter disenfranchisement and the Democratic primary. Bernie Sanders and the African American vote. Ted Cruz launches a shrewd attack on Donald Trump. Alex Jones liberal women love Jihadis. One last occupier in Oregon threatens to kill himself and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-11-16-Jennifer_Mittelstadt-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EST

Ken Ken & Ken take over. The Huffington Post's Ryan Grim joins us with his libturd bullshit. The K team schools Chris Matthews. Donald Trump Jr. is awesome and Random Hartmann.

How many people will Clinton kill if she is elected President and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-10-16-Ken_Ken_and_Ken-Ryan_Grim-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:23pm EST

Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi and Sam discuss Donald Trump calling Ted Cruz a "pussy". Why Donald Trump is a good campaigner. John Kasich doing well in New Hampshire is bad for the Republican establishment and why that is goo for Trump. What's the problem with Marco Rubio besides being a robot. How Trump has remade the Republican Primary. Trump's anti PC angle. How is Trump's ground game. The real issue with Hillary's Wall Street speeches. Is the public starting to wake up to how corporate power is ruining America? And the weak Republican bench. (10:45)

The MR staff predictions for the New Hampshire results.

On The Fun Half: A libertarian caller wants fascism. The depths of Libertarian insanity. Does Donald Trump have policies ideas? The Marcobot strikes again. Ted Cruz epically prank. Fox News freaks out on Beyonce's Halftime show and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-09-16-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:50pm EST

On today's show the South African freedom fighter and former Minister of Intelligence Ronnie Kasrils joins us to talk about the new film project London Recruits and the current state of South Africa.

-Using activism to break the silence of the police state. How the activists were able to maintain their cover as tourists. Denny Schecter’s expression of humanity by helping black cleaners mop up. (6:00)

-Smuggling pamphlets and leaflets into South Africa and using stunts to get people’s attention with messages of liberation. “London Recruits,” as a project of internationalism and the importance of the film. (22:20)

-Kasrils’ critique of the ANC. The achievement of toppling Apartheid. Kasrils’ belief they could have asked for more concessions especially on the economic front. The need for to challenge the current ANC from the left. Kasrils’ perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict as reminiscent of apartheid. (35:00)

And on the fun half: GOP debate recap, Christie makes Marco Robio malfunction, Trump makes Cruz look totally weak, Bill Clinton attacks Sanders, and your calls and IMs!

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Direct download: 02-08-16-Ronnie_Kasrils-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EST

It's casual friday and Cliff Schecter explains why Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders pound on each other in last night's debate. How big of a deal are Hillary Clinton's Goldman Sachs speeches? Was Bernie Sanders a flop on foreign policy?. Why the Sanders campaign is focused on the wrong part of the Goldman Sachs speech controversy? Clinton's corporate connections are a problem. The time Elizabeth Warren explained Hillary Clinton's reversal on the bankruptcy bill. Where Hillary Clinton is failing in her attack on Bernie's  gun record. How much does foreign policy matter in the Democratic Primary? And Hillary's disturbing reference to Henry Kissinger. (13:00)

Film Matthew Weiss talks like Trump now as well. The uncomfortable closeups in the Democratic debate. The Film Guy's new project. Matthew's beef with Just Coffee. Jeb Bush was probably abused by Barbara Bush and Matthew says we should watch The Firm and read Alice Miller's Drama of the Gifted Child. (57:30)

On The Fun Half: The Democrats show some unity. Should Bernie Sanders being talking about the military industrial complex? Jeb Bush tries to sound hard.

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Direct download: 02-05-16-Cliff_Schecter-Film_Guy_Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:20pm EST

Susan Eaton Director of the Sillerman Center at the Heller School at Brandeis University and author of Integration Nation Immigrants, Refugees, and America at Its Best explains the distinction between integration and assimilation. How American culture is enriched by immigration. Why integration is better for everyone. Exclusion policies don't work and why we need to know what inclusion really means. What Fort Wayne has got right in its treatment of immigrants and refugees. Repairing the mess of anti immigration measures. Busing in Boston and how to transform values. The inspiring story of Mississippi's Civil Rights movement fighting for immigrant rights and class consciousness and overcoming racial division. (13:00)

On The Fun Half: the CEO of Goldman Sachs says Bernie Sanders has the potential to be "dangerous".  Hillary Clinton explains why she spoke at Goldman Sachs and misses the bigger point. Jeb Bush is so sad. This Donald Trump supporter is the best thing ever. President Obama visits the Islamic Society of Baltimore. Marco Rubio is disgusting in his comments on Islam and your calls IMs.

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Direct download: 02-04-16-Susan_Eaton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52pm EST

The New Yorker's Jane Mayer author of Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Rightexplains and the new role of oligarchs in American politics.

-The difference between now and the robber baron era. More people work for the Koch Brothers than the Republican National Committee. The Koch's cultural project. The Powell Memo and the deep history of the American Right. (9:40)

-How the actual "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" works. The war on academics and objective science.  How we subsidize the Kochs and their toxic industries. Why the Kochs backed the bank bailouts. (18:00)

-The influence of this money in the 2016 election season on the GOP side. How Donald Trump is the only Republican who they can't control. (32:00)

-Koch money and global warming denial and when the Kochs targeted Jane Mayer for a smear job. (36:00)

On The Fun Half: Knives come out for Marco Rubio. Chris Christie unleashes on the sweaty young Senator. Fox News morons want Hillary to be indicted really badly. Right Wing Mandela torches Ted Cruz. Rand Paul drops out. Marco Rubio is a mess and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-03-16-Jane_Mayer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EST

Ted Cruz wins the Iowa Caucus and Ben Carson accuses him of dirty tricks. Bernie Sanders ties Hillary Clinton in Iowa. The Clinton campaign is not going well. Why the Bernie Sanders insurgency should wake up the Democratic establishment. Bernie Sanders incredible fundraising and why the Democratic establishment needs to smarten up.

On The Fun Half: Marco Rubio is still a weak candidate. What Trump did to Rubio in the summer and what he needs to do again. Ted Cruz fires a shot at Rubio. An amazing comedy duo called the Good Liars perfectly troll Bush and Trump and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 02-02-16-Sam_Seder-Iowa_Caucus-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:44pm EST

On today's show Tony Karon the Editorial Director of Al Jazeera America online joins us to talk about why America's age of turbulence has just begun. Read his his latest here. The history of right wing militia politics. The resonance of militia ideology in mainstream conservative politics. Ideology doesn’t need to be coherent. (8:50)

The Difference between European and American populist movements. Nations as “Imagined Communities.” The difficulty experienced by the GOP in controlling its candidates compared to recent elections. (17:10)

The disintegration of national identity. Karon’s perspective on our current political climate and how it relates to popular movements in South Africa. White fear in the age of non-white political power. (26:50)

Iran and the nuclear bomb. The Non-Proliferation Treaty and how the lack of movement toward disarmament encourages proliferation. How Iran used the threat of developing nuclear weapons in order to be taken seriously internationally. (32:40)

On The Fun Half: Bernie Bros, Trump Bros, a libertarian caller and your calls and IMs! 

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Direct download: 02-01-16-Tony_Karon-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:56pm EST

Cliff Schecter and Sam explains why Trump is right to be angry at Fox. Why Fox is not a media organization and how they played the same game in media that Trump has in politics. Jeb Bush cannot shake Donald Trump and is bizarre again. Jeb Bush is so sad. Ted Cruz has a terrible debate. Marco Rubio says insane things but no one notices because he is so boring. Jeb wants to take down Rubio. Rand Paul has a good night and how cynical Fox's debating questioning was. The Democrats debate controversy. Why Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a terrible DNC Chair and who what would a Bernie Sanders Donald Trump election look like. (9:00)

Isabel Gillies has new dogs. How do you best train dogs, we find out. Does Isabel still support Trump? Republicans and fear mongering. Did the Republican debate make any difference? Isabel loves Alan Rickman and she tells us to watch Truly Madly Deeply. (58:00)

On The Fun Half: Donald Trump mocks Jeb Bush. The Saudi Prince who knows how to own Trump. The birth of "Islamic Trump". Bernie and Hillary who is the more practical choice and your calls IMs.

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Direct download: 01-29-16-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42pm EST

Guardian columnist and author of the new book Disaster Capitalism: Making a Killing Out of Catastrophe (buy it on Jet.com or Amazon) Antony Loewenstein explains what “disaster capitalism” means (7:00). Privatization and the European and American strategy to make life harder for refugees. How Western policy feeds the refugee crisis in the Middle East. The corporations who benefit from disaster capitalism. Colonial histories and abuse of refugees. Australia’s brutal approach to asylum seekers. The Clinton Foundation and Haitian sweatshops. Why the United States does not want Haiti to be truly independent. The connection between NGOs and disaster capitalism. US policy in Afghanistan and the complete lack of understanding of Afghan culture and politics and the ongoing power of crony capitalism under the Obama Administration.

On The Fun Half: Is Michael taking “Primal Blueprint” payola? The Washington Post’s pathetic attack on Bernie Sanders. How big a threat is Bernie Sanders to the system. The Democrats debate controversy. Sam explains what Hillary Clinton is doing in her call for another debate. Donald Trump stands firm on Bill O’Reilly’s show and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-28-16-Antony_Loewenstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38pm EST

Law Enforcement moves against the squatters in Oregon.

David Dayen explains the problem with liberal establishment attacks on Bernie Sanders and the deeper implications for reform policies.

-Why are establishment Democrats attacking the 21st century Glass-Steagall. Missing the point on stronger financial reform. Why institutions were to "interconnected" to fail. The need for structural reforms. The need for statutory reforms an the difficult of enforcing complex regulation. Restricting banking and protecting the economy. (11:30)

-"Shadow Banking" and the distraction from the larger issues. Eliminating fraud and what Elizabeth Warren's new Glass Steagall bill does. Why the arguments against serious banking reform is undermining vital economic protection, the global consensus on segregating assets in banking. Also why the attacks on Bernie Sanders matter beyond him. (31:00)

On The Fun Half: Donald Trump is not showing up to the next debate and its not going to matter. Fox News is not a news organization. Right Wing Mandela endorses Trump. Debbie Wasserman Schultz hugs Michael Bloomberg. Plutocrat runs ads attacking Bernie in Iowa and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-27-16-David_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:15pm EST

Bernie Sanders fights back against the false narrative of "the era of big government being over." Sanders sharpens the differences with Hillary Clinton. Sanders talk movingly about his parents. (10:00)

Hillary Clinton's powerful anti Islamophobia statement. Who is most ready to be President? The problems with Clinton's foreign policy and Martin O'Malley cannot get it together. (25:00)

On The Fun Half: More revelations of the Snyder Administration's grotesque decision making that led to the poisoning of Flint's water. Jeb Bush's disgusting response to the Flint crisis. Chris Christie goes out of his way to be the worst. Oregon militia man challenges Christie to a sumo match and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-26-16-Democratic_Town_Hall_Recap-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:59pm EST

The distinction between FDR-brand liberalism and socialist democracy. The role of liberty in FDR’s liberalism. The importance of public goods, and moving expenditures from private market to the public sector. Bernie’s democratic socialism as distinct from FDR liberalism and Bernie’s appeal to the New Deal legacy. Bernie’s focus on unfairness as opposed to freedom. The progressive vision of negative freedom. (8:45)

Theories of change. The liberal establishment’s on the plausibility of Bernie Sanders’ revolution. Why Bernie Sanders’ campaign isn’t based on a “charismatic leader” theory. What kind of grassroots power can candidates build? The different legacies of the McGovern and Goldwater campaigns. How Goldwater set the table for the ascendancy of Reagan. Why taking on the establishment is a major uphill battle. (28:30)

On The Fun Half (56:16) - Friction between online Bernie supporters and the black voters not sold on Bernie, update on socialized medicine for military families, the horror that was 18-year-old Ted Cruz, Trump bullies Glenn Beck and Ted Cruz and your IMs and calls!

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Direct download: 01-25-16-Luke_Mayville-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EST

It's Casual Friday and Cliff Schecter discusses the forty third of anniversary Roe v Wade. Why we have been moving backward since the Roe decision. The anti choice assault on low income women. Why there was nowhere for Martin O'Malley to go in the Democratic Primary. Why the Clinton campaign is freaking out at the rise of Bernie Sanders. The differences between Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders in Iowa. The silent power of Democratic Socialists in the Democratic Primary? Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton's closing ads for Iowa. Republican hacks united against Trump. The Republican establishment split on Trump and Cruz and is Trump a more scary nominee than Cruz? (9:15)

On The Fun Half: Debating Bernie Sanders. Jeb Bush needs his Mom! How left wing are each member of the Majority Report? And your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-22-16-Cliff_Schecter-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EST

Journalist Andy Kroll explains why Jeff Roe, Ted Cruz's campaign manager is this generations Karl Rove. Jeff Roe's brutal political history. Destroying candidates who didn't need to be destroyed. The bizarre behavior of Jeff Roe. Why Cruz and Roe picked each other and why Roe believes in base elections. Also why the Cruz campaign will only get more negative. (10:30)

Matt Katz author of the new book Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption explains where the Bridgegate investigation stands. The clouds hanging over Chris Christie. David Wildstein and Christie's odd High School experience. How Christie's political career was build on fundraising for George W Bush. How Christie's questionable conduct as District Attorney. Who is David Samson and why he might still threaten Christie's legal future. The relationship between Andrew Cuomo and Christie and are there other skeletons in Christie's closet? (29:15)

On The Fun Half: would there be a massive backlash against reparations? Scotty B might run with Donald Trump?! Fox & Friend's has a disgusting segment on the Flint water crisis and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-21-16-Andy_Kroll-Matt_Katz-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:22pm EST

Eddie S. Glaude Jr. a the Chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University and author of the new book Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul (buy the book on Jet or Amazon!) explains the reality of the "Black Depression" in America.

-The “Value Gap” and the flawed economic recovery, especially in black communities. How the belief that white people are more important is ingrained systematically. Environmental racism, from poor waste disposal to Flint, Michigan’s water crisis. Real estate redlining in 2015. “Things haven’t changed;” what has changed and what hasn’t. (11:30)

-Privatizing black misery by ignoring structural economic racism. How the “face of welfare” used to be associated with poor white people. Obama’s “Brother’s Keeper” notion as a “reverse dog whistle” meant to allay concerns of white people. The invisible power of white social networks and the naturalization of privilege. The role of fear in hiding the truth. (22:10)

-The experience of masking racial truths in the workplace. Self-policing of personal style and opinion by black men to navigate the stresses caused by how blackness is perceived. The rarity of truly integrated spaces. Racism as a congenital disease. The misremembering of Martin Luther King, Jr. Believing one thing about racial equality and and naturally acting contrary to those beliefs. (32:10)

-The hereditary nature of privilege and illiberal values. How panic over the loss over white privilege explains the current political tumult. The difference between white outrage at the loss of privilege compares to black outrage at systematic oppression. How the economic system has now made white workers vulnerable. Glaude’s view on the disagreement between Ta-Nahesi Coates and the Bernie Sanders campaign on reparations. (47:09)

On The Fun Half: Random Rush. Sarah Palin's endorsement of Donald Trump is just as crazy and deranged as you would hope. Donald Trump destroys Jeb Bush again. Oregon militia guys blow a Shofar and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-20-16-Eddie_Glaude_Jr-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm EST

1/19/16

On today's show, political strategist and writer Bridget Todd (@BridgetMarie) joins us to review the Democratic debate. (9:00) The chasm in substance between the DNC and GOP debates, and how the DNC is missing an opportunity to draw the distinction with multiple debates. Hillary vs Bernie on healthcare. Bernie on partisanship being more a media a myth than cause of dysfunction, which he says is really down to congress being bought by moneyed interests. Hillary tries to paint Bernie as an Obama-basher to cover for Wall St. donations. The logic behind this strategy and how it will play out over time. Advice to the Bernie and Hillary campaigns.

On the Fun Half - Rubio isn't up-to-date with the Flint, Michigan lead-poisoned water, more debate recap, and listener calls and IMs!

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Direct download: 01-19-16-Bridget_Todd-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EST

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Today’s show is a compilation of clips including:

Dr. King's first tv interview in 1957 on The Open Mind, episode "The New Negro," hosted by Professor Richard D Hefner. (8:40)

April 4, 1967, King delivers his first public antiwar speech, “Beyond Vietnam,” at New York’s Riverside Church. (36:45)

April 4, 1968, CBS Evening News, Walter Cronkite reports on King's assassination. (1:32:45)

Nina Simone performing “Why?” live three days after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. (1:35:50)

 

Direct download: 1-18-16-MLK_Day-MEM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EST

Sam and Michael review the Republican debate and cover all the delusion and fear mongering. Ben Carson's Goldeneye fantasy(20:00). Donald Trump goes birther Ted Cruz. Jeb Bush wants us "back in the game!" Jeb Bush's secret strategy and Jeb donors now only giving him money out of loyalty.

And Andy Kindler joins us. Why Andy's website never changes. Why Andy does not like Ted Koppel and the time that Nelson Mandela owned Ted Koppel. The problem with Ricky Gervais. Why the Golden Globes are so absurd. Andy Kindler does not like doing Oscar picks. What's going on with Maron and Bob's Burgers. The Republicans are awful but Chris Cillizza is worse and where you can see Andy performed in Seattle and Portland. (36:00)

On The Fun Half: why Bernie will over perform in Iowa and Trump will underperform. Trump locks up the Republican acceptance. Carly Fiorina makes a bizarre attack on Hillary Clinton.

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Direct download: 01-15-16-Andy_Kindler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EST

1/14/16

Mehrsa Baradaran a Professor at the University of Georgia Law School and author of the new book How the Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and the Threat to Democracy explains the history of the banking sector in America and the split between Hamilton and Jefferson. (11:50) 

-The change in banking beginning in the early 1980’s. Community banks and the shifting realities of banking for the poor. Why Hamilton and Jefferson were both right about banking. The New Deal’s strict banking codes and the lack of financial crises for decades following their implementation. Banking deregulation under the Reagan and Thatcher conservative movements. Obama’s “standing between the banks and the pitchforks” and the lack of a push for fundamental change following 2008. The continuity of financial policy under Bush and Obama. (22:20)

-The fundamental inequality between the “banked” and “unbanked.” The huge subsidy that banks receive from the federal insurance. The logic of Post Office banking. How the credit works and how it works for postal banking. Why being in debt isn’t a moral failing. How the poor are left to pure market credit like payday loans and the big banks are federally insured, despite bank failings being far more disastrous. Small credit for the poor meaning the difference between solvency and insolvency. (27:40)

-How postal banking would work in practice. The advantages of postal banking v. payday loans. Where the concept of postal banking has been raised politically. Why Postal Banking is far from radical. (37:50)

On The Fun Half: The military is socialist. The origin story of Jimmy Sullivan. Will Bernie Sanders win Iowa and New Hampshire. Al Jazeera shuts down and Peyton Manning makes a lame joke. The Duck Dynasty guy endorses Ted Cruz. Why the Chelsea Clinton attack on Single Payer healthcare helps Bernie Sanders, how Bernie can campaign better and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-14-16-Mehrsa_Baradaran-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:18pm EST

Blogger Digby (Heather Parton) explains why she was underwhelmed by President Obama's final SOTU(12:30). When the Obama Administration finally understood how rabid the Republicans are. How President Obama spoke past Republicans and still offered an olive branch. Can Obama ever shake the bipartisan myth? The palpable conservative disappointment after the Iran/Navy situation was resolved(23:50). Thank God President Obama wasn't successful in "bringing people together" to cut Social Security. How outside conservative money is drowning the GOP establishment(35:20). No Republican moderates exist. The Koch brothers are more important than the Republican Party establishment. How Obama talks about the military and American power. The Republican Party's teenage angst and Debbie Wasserman Schultz needs to go!(55:20)

On The Fun Half: Ted Cruz says "embodies New York Values". Oregon militia men welcome a ISIS supporting  Hitler lover as their new IT guy. Also Oregon militia guys do not want dildos in the mail and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-13-16-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:32pm EST

1/12/16

Ian Millhiser a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the Editor of ThinkProgress Justice, explains the Abood v. Detroit Board of Education case and how it allowed for Public Unions to exist and grow. The free rider problem and public unions. The Harris case and the Supreme Court conservatives cruel attack on home care workers. How the Roberts Court manipulates overturning precedents. How conservatives manipulate the judicial process. The Friedrich Case and the final overturning of the Abood case. The differences between unions and political parties. Are retirement funds unconstitutional if Abood is overturned. The historical context of the war against unions and how reign on the radical right on the Court.

On The Fun Half: Carly Fiorina still failing and still lying. Debating a conservative. Break in at the Flint City Hall and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is disgusting in defense of his response to the Flint crisis. What will Barack Obama's final State of the Union sound like. A letter from a Oregon militiamen to his wife. White supremacists call voters for Donald Trump in Iowa. Also your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-12-16-Ian_Millhiser-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:36pm EST

Chris Savage, the Publisher  of Eclectablog, explains the decisions that led to the poisoning of Flint, Michigan's water supply with lead. How state officials ignored warnings that Flint's water was sunder threat. How lead damages children for the rest of their lives. What the State is doing to reverse the crisis. The City Manager system and the Lead poisoning of Flint and will anyone be held criminally accountable for what has happened in Flint? (9:42)

Sam on Flint and the massive environmental crisis in Porter Ranch California. (28:35)

On The Fun Half: why is Marco Rubio running ads against Chris Christie? What establishment candidate will stay in the race? Bernie Sanders is picking up momentum in Iowa. We talk with a recovering Libertarian. How do we move the country to the left. Maine's Governor, Paul LePage is a insane racist and Chris Christie loves him and your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-11-16-Chris_Savage-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EST

1/8/16

Casual Friday! We have  Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter) and Film Guy Matthew Weiss (@langdonboom).

Cliff Schecter joins on Obama's executive orders on guns and the evolving debate on gun control. Closing gun sale loopholes. Government initiatives funding mental health and "smart gun" technology. The cultural momentum against guns. Maine Governor LePage's contention heroin dealers with names like "D-Money" are impregnating white girls. (7:04)

FilmGuy Matthew talking sports and why sports movies don't work. The new "Deadwood" movie and filmmaker Shirley Clarke and recommends a TV series by Caveh Zahedi called "The Show About the Show." (39:30)

And Sam returns from his foray into jury duty qualification. He wasn't selected. (56:20)

On the fun half (1:17:50): the outrageous framing during the CNN's "Guns in America" town hall, jury duty talk, Joseph Lieberman, and your calls and IMs!

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Direct download: 01-08-16-Cliff_Schecter-Film_Guy_Matthew-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EST

1/7/16

-Alexis Goldstein in to talk financial reform in 2016. What are the main takeaways of Dodd-Frank, why it was a big victory and why it is a big target for lobbyists. The importance of the CFPB in protecting Americans from fraud. How Dodd-Frank deals with failing banks and opaque derivatives markets, mortgage-backed securities and CDOs. The importance of the Volcker Rule. (6:38) 

-Would Dodd-Frank be having a bigger effect if it was enforced more strictly? Why we haven’t seen a change in trading behavior since the Volcker Rule, and why this might mean it’s being ignored. (17:52) 

-The contrast between Bernie and Hillary with regard to financial reform? Financial reform evolution v. revolution. The obstacles criminal prosecutions for bankers. Citigroup’s foray in writing laws. JP Morgan vs. Louis Brandeis. Holder’s admission some are “too big to jail.” (25:55)

-The “New Glass-Steagall” legislation making its way through congress and coming up in presidential primary debates, and why the removal of Glass-Steagall was vital in creating the financial crisis. Why Alexis is encouraged at the debate on financial reform we’re currently having, and how the debate is changing. Financial reform as a bipartisan issue. Finishing the unfinished business of financial reform. (35:37) 

-And on the Fun Half! Why the new iPhone is obscene, more financial reform, and your calls! (45:30)

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Direct download: 01-07-16-Alexis_Goldstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:16pm EST

1/6/15

Steven A. Cook is on to discuss the Saudi perspective on current turmoil in the region as a "status-quo" power(5:50). Why the Saudis see the Iranians as meddling. The power and hypocrisy of the House of Saud and its support of radical ideologies(9:33). Why the House of Saud and Wahabi radicals are reliant on each other. On Iran(14:07). What is the next logical step in heightened aggression. Why Steve doesn't expect a ground war, and why continuance of proxy wars can be expected. The situation in Yemen. Why the Saudis miscalculate when they see Iranian manipulation behind uprisings in Bahrain and elsewhere. On Iraq and Syria(20:12). What does the Iran/Saudi for the fight against ISIS? Saudia Arabia's insecurity around US relations with Iran. The difficulty of negotiating between "bad actors," and the conversation the US needs to have about our interests in the Middle East(23:48). What is the effect from the global transition from oil.

Omer Aziz on Sam Harris(32:16). Harris' inability to deal with the complexity of issues in the Islamic history. How "muslim reformers" are intellectual junk food that pays well. How "Islamic reformers" ignore the interpretive function of the religious. Diversity of political, cultural, and scientific traditions within Islam(41:24). What would a genuine Islamic reformation look like? The "hubris" of self-identifying as a "reformer," especially in a culture that isn't your own.

On the Fun Half - Conservatives mock Obama tears, Candy Carson shares more implausible Ben Carson lore, Donald Trumps new ad, and your calls and IMs!

Direct download: 01-06-16-Steven_Cook-Omer_Aziz-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:19pm EST

Investigative journalist David Neiwert explains what is motivating the militiamen who have takeover the Federal Wildlife Refuge in Oregon (12:55). The armed wing of the Koch brothers efforts to destroy America's public lands. Religions role in the far Right militia movement (19:30). The different strains of the extremist right. The Oath Keepers and the many ways that Right Wing groups threaten public safety. How racism drives the movement and why do we take the Militia movement seriously at all (29:44)?

And how much Raman do the Oregon survivalists have with them?

On The Fun Half: President Obama issues new executive orders on gun safety and "Nation of Islam Obama" explains the real plan. We take a call form our favorite right wing caller Doug. And your calls and your IMs.

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Direct download: 01-05-16-David_Neiwert-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:39pm EST

1/4/16

The moral and legal obscenity of the Tamir Rice case. Why the Police who killed Tamir Rice were incredibly reckless. The obvious racial reasons for the killing of Tamir. The myth of the "War on Cops".  Who are the far-right terrorists takeover a federal building in Oregon and the crimes that led to the Federal building takeover.

On The Fun Half: Saudi Arabia's brutal executions. Ben Carson defends mass executions in Saudi Arabia. Obviously Donald Trump is a big racist. And your calls and IMs.

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Direct download: 01-04-16-Sam_Seder-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EST

1/1/16

The final best-of for 2015, some of Sam's comedy pals drop by and bits form the fun half.

First, David Cross was in studio for an all-time great fun half on January 23.

Then, a clip from the final M&M Monday featuring Marxist/Leninist Bernie Sanders (1:34:20).

Next, Janeane Garofalo joined via phone on September 29th (1:37:20).

Then, some sort of malfunction has included a "Ken, Ken, and Ken" show advertisement for gold bullion credit cards (2:20:35).

Finally, Sam grilled H. Jon Benjamin on his new jazz album, "Well, I Should Have Learned to Play the Piano" (2:24:40)

Also: Ben Carson's Liberal Media Diss Track!

Direct download: 1-1-16-David_Cross-Janeane_Garofalo-H_Jon_Benjamin-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:45am EST